Tyrus Wheat Bio
Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr. is an American professional football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 8, 1999, in Amite, Louisiana, he developed into a productive pass rusher after a standout junior college career at Copiah–Lincoln Community College and a decorated tenure at Mississippi State University. Wheat became noted for his defensive skills and was honored as a Second-Team All-SEC player in 2022. He began his professional career in the NFL in 2023 and has shown significant potential on the field.
Early Life and Background
Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr. grew up in Amite, Louisiana, a small town in the southeastern part of the state that has produced several notable football players. He attended Amite High School, where he shared the field with fellow Amite native and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. During his time in high school, Wheat developed the size and athleticism that would later define his game as a defensive end.
Rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Wheat initially committed to play college football at Missouri. However, he did not qualify academically to play Division I football and instead enrolled at Copiah–Lincoln Community College. This detour proved formative for Wheat, giving him time to refine his technique, build his body, and gain the experience needed to attract attention from major college programs.
Path to American Football
Wheat’s path to professional football began at Copiah–Lincoln Community College, where he played two seasons and established himself as one of the most disruptive defenders at the junior college level. Over those two seasons, he made 104 tackles, notched five interceptions, forced two fumbles, and recovered three fumbles. His play at the line of scrimmage and in coverage showed the versatility that college recruiters look for in modern edge defenders.
That performance earned Wheat the opportunity to transfer to Mississippi State University in 2020. Joining the Southeastern Conference meant a significant step up in competition, and Wheat embraced the challenge. By the time he completed his college career, he had become one of the Bulldogs’ most consistent pass rushers, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2022. His success at Mississippi State positioned him to pursue a career in the NFL.
Tyrus Wheat Career
Junior College Years (Copiah–Lincoln)
Wheat’s first significant chapter of organized football at the collegiate level came at Copiah–Lincoln Community College. He played two seasons for the Wolves and built the foundation for his future as a defensive end. Across those two years, he recorded 104 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, demonstrating both his ability to pressure the quarterback and his instincts in the running game.
The production at Co–Lin helped Wheat earn a transfer to Mississippi State, where he would compete in the SEC, one of the most demanding conferences in college football. His time at the junior college level also allowed him to mature physically, ultimately reaching a frame that would translate well to the professional game.
Mississippi State Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Wheat played in nine games with eight starts in his first season at Mississippi State and immediately led the Bulldogs with five sacks. That production as a newcomer set the tone for the rest of his time in Starkville. As a senior, he tallied 46 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and again led the team with 7.5 sacks, reinforcing his reputation as the heart of the Mississippi State defensive front.
Using the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wheat returned for a third season at Mississippi State. In his final college year, he again led the Bulldogs with six sacks, marking the third consecutive season in which he paced the team in that category. His sustained excellence earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2022, capping one of the most productive defensive careers in recent Mississippi State history.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023–2025)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Wheat signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. He was waived on August 29, 2023, as part of the team’s roster trimming, but quickly returned to the organization on the practice squad. Wheat was promoted to the active roster on October 16, giving him his first regular-season opportunity in the NFL.
Wheat remained with the Cowboys through the following seasons as he continued his development at the professional level. On August 26, 2025, he was waived by Dallas as part of final roster cuts, ending his time with the franchise that had originally given him his NFL opportunity.
Detroit Lions Era (2025–Present)
On August 27, 2025, Wheat was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, the day after being released by Dallas. The move gave him a fresh start with a new organization and an opportunity to compete for a role in Detroit’s defensive rotation. Joining the Lions placed Wheat in a defensive scheme known for its aggressive front four and its emphasis on disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wheat has built his game around consistent pass-rush production, having led his team in sacks in three consecutive college seasons. His combination of size, listed at 188 centimeters, and the strength to play at 118 kilograms gives him the frame to hold up against NFL offensive tackles. He has shown the ability to contribute against both the run and the pass, and his interception and forced-fumble totals at Copiah–Lincoln highlight his instincts beyond pure edge rushing.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones of Wheat’s career came in 2022, when he was named Second-Team All-SEC after leading Mississippi State in sacks for the third straight year. He also reached the NFL in 2023 as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, and a year later found a new home with the Detroit Lions after being claimed off waivers in August 2025.
Tyrus Wheat Career Wins
As a defensive player, Wheat’s career achievements are measured in production and recognition rather than wins and losses on an individual basis. His college résumé is anchored by his three consecutive seasons leading Mississippi State in sacks and his Second-Team All-SEC selection in 2022.
Mississippi State Highlights
Wheat’s most decorated stretch came at Mississippi State, where he led the Bulldogs in sacks for three consecutive seasons, with five sacks in his first year, 7.5 sacks as a senior, and six sacks in his final COVID-extra season. He also recorded 46 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss in his senior campaign, numbers that helped him earn Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2022.
Other Wins and Performances
At Copiah–Lincoln Community College, Wheat totaled 104 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries across two seasons, establishing himself as one of the most productive defenders in the program.
Tyrus Wheat Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Wheat’s parents and broader family background are limited in available sources. What is well documented is that he grew up in Amite, Louisiana, alongside fellow future NFL player DeVonta Smith, a connection that placed him in a community with a strong football tradition.
Personal Life
Wheat carries the suffix “Sr.” in his full name, Tyrus Darrell Wheat Sr., a detail often associated with a son who shares his father’s name. Beyond that, publicly verified details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Wheat still in Dallas, where he was working to secure a role on the Cowboys’ defensive front. On August 26, 2025, he was waived as part of final roster cuts, ending his second stint with the organization. The very next day, August 27, 2025, the Detroit Lions claimed him off waivers, giving him a quick path back onto an NFL roster.
For Detroit, the addition of Wheat added depth to a defensive line that values disruptive edge rushers. His history of leading his team in sacks for three straight college seasons made him an intriguing project for the Lions’ defensive staff to develop.
Looking ahead, Wheat’s outlook in Detroit depends on his ability to translate his college pass-rush production into professional opportunities. With a fresh start on a new roster and a scheme that fits his skill set, he has a clear opportunity to carve out a longer-term role in the NFL after his 2025 transition from Dallas.